Equid use and provision during the Early Iron Age in Can Roqueta (NE Iberian Peninsula). Zooarchaeological study and first strontium isotope result (87Sr/86Sr). (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Albizuri, S.; Valenzuela-Lamas, S.; Bosch, D.; Fernandez, M.; López-Cachero, F.J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 26(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Equids -- Mobility -- Early Iron Age -- Iberian Peninsula -- Strontium isotopes; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.101907
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: This article reports the results of a zooarchaeological study (including, mortality profiles, and anatomical and pathological descriptions) of the Early Iron Age (8th–6th c. BCE) equid remains at the Can Roqueta site (Sabadell, Barcelona), together with the first strontium isotope results to determine their geographical origin. The zooarchaeological study reveals a remarkable number of equid remains at the site, the bone pathologies of which suggest their use for riding, drafting and load carrying. The mortality and sex profiles point to the presence of adult animals, while the absence of neonatal and juvenile remains raises the question as to whether these individuals may have originated from other sites specialised in equid breeding. The strontium values obtained from six individuals suggest that some equids were reared in a geological area with a similar strontium signature to that of the Vallès area, where the site is located. However, three equids present a different strontium signature, pointing to a possibly different geographical origin. Highlights: New data about the use of Early Iron Age equids (NE of the Iberian Peninsula) Mortality profiles indicated a selection of adult animals Withers height estimations revealed a notable diversity in equid sizes The pathological features to be linked with draught, riding and load-carrying Strontium isotopes provide direct evidence of diverse geographical origins